HART GENOSSEN VON ABBA BIS ZAPPA

Sub-genre:Jazz/Rock Fusion (Definite fit, but the metal guitars are aggressive enough to live in Tech/Extreme)
For Fans of: 1980, Animals as Leaders, Mr. Bungle, Frank Zappa
Vocal Style: Varying male & female on only a few songs (German)
Guitar Style: Huge range of styles electric and acoustic. Heavy as Fredrik Thordendahl, light and warm as Joe Pass
Keyboard Style: rare if any
Percussion Style: Heavy butt kickin' metal right down to tasty jazz & funk
Bass Style: Picked electric with huge style range
Other Instruments: Alto & Bari Saxophone
You are not likely to enjoy this album if: eclecticism and rapid contrast irritates you.

Summary: Wow! There is no half way about it?I LOVE THIS BAND! The easiest comparison I can make is to a more focused and jazzy Mr. Bungle. The styles within are wildly contrasting with seamless transitions and epic proficiency within each style. And this is not just an exhibition of "look what I/we can do". This is a strong body of compositions that hold their structures, even as varied as they are stylistically within each song. The jazz sections are very tasteful and would hold their own in any corner nightclub. The metal section are as heavy hitting and brutal as any Tech/Extreme band. Somehow it all fits. Perhaps most impressive is there choice of composition. Danny Elfman's The Simpsons theme, a challenging piece on its own, is further glorified by Jan Zehrfeld's arrangement with blasting Djent guitar and extended swing section. A rather unusual selection of Zappa tunes are chosen for 2 closing medleys. These guys do not shy away from a challenge. And they present with exceptional interest and taste.

Final Score: Right to the top of my playlist. 5 stars and more if I am allowed to give them. This is a band full of talent and taste that everyone with an appreciation for fusion and metal should have in their collection. Listen to this album!